Module Details

Module Code: PROJ C4604
Module Title: Research Project (Engineering)
Title: Research Project (Engineering)
Module Level:: 8
Credits:: 10
Module Coordinator: Cathal Nolan
Module Author:: Edmond Tobin
Domains:  
Module Description: The aims of the module are: To provide the learner with the opportunity to apply and extend the knowledge, competencies and skills developed on the programme; To research, design, develop and critically analysis within an engineering problem: To manage, document, and communicate an engineering project: To develop personal skills of initiative, independence and responsibility.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Conduct a literature review and formulate a project plan
LO2 Design an appropriate engineering solution to accomplish the project objectives
LO3 Evaluate the proposed solution through analysis, simulation and/or experimentation
LO4 Demonstrate self-direction, problem solving and project management through technical reports or papers
LO5 Present a critical analysis and discussion of the project outcomes through technical reports, papers, posters or presentations
LO6 Assess sustainability and ethical issues in relation to personal conduct, project content and completion of the project objectives
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Project Title and Scope
The scope and title of the project will be determined by the project supervisors and in some cases, with industry partners. Typical project components will include but are not limited to the following: • design and manufacture of an engineering product or system; • mathematical modelling of an engineering system; • review of an emerging technology or review an existing product design; • development of an engineering product or system. Students will be encouraged to explore possible cooperation on project assignments with their peers from other engineering programmes in the institute and their peers from international collaborative partners.
Project Brief
Projects will be selected from a list of projects provided. These may be linked to work placement or industry. Prepare a working specification and propose an action plan, identifying the staged structure and associated deadlines, in consultation with the project supervisor/s.
Project Plan
Students will be expected to develop a detailed project plan using project planning tools.
Research
Conduct a literature review. Investigate, research, collect, collate and analyse relevant information.
Design
Software tools will be used for simulation in the development of the design. Design software will be used to produce working drawings for the prototype.
Testing and Validation
Design, implement and test the proposed solution. Testing of solution to ensure that it meets the original specification
Evaluation
Thoroughly evaluate the proposed solution and research its production costs. Investigate exploitation of the proposed solution: Commercial issues, patent issues, financial viability.
Presentation
The learner will be required to make a technical presentation on the progress of the project at intervals linked to the staged structure of the project. This may be in the form of a poster presentation, video presentation or in camera presentation.
Work Journal
The learner will maintain a detailed log of actions, proposed and executed, issues arising, discussions with supervisor and others, and all aspects of the project.
Thesis
A formal report should be prepared to document the activity undertaken throughout the project. This may take the form of a technical report or journal paper or as defined at the beginning of the project.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Project100.00%

Assessments

Full Time

No Continuous Assessment
Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 30
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 2,3,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Series of presentations will be completed. All presentations are made in front of a panel of academic staff. The academic staff assess the presentation based on structure, time management and delivery.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 70
Timing Sem 2 End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
The final project deliverables are assessed under the following headings:
• Literature review on historical and state-of-the-art publications and resources relevant to the project;
• Project plan presenting the project management element of the work;
• Design and implementation of the solution proposed;
• Design innovation, technical prowess and sustainability;
• Manufacture and/or simulation, validation and testing of the proposed solution/design;
• Discussion of results, methodology and literature leading to reasonable and objective conclusions
• Communication skills and technical accuracy of the submitted technical report/paper;
• Effort and participation;
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat the module
The assessment of this module is inextricably linked to the delivery. The student must reattend the module in its entirety in order to be reassessed.
Reassessment Description
Learners that fail but achieve a minimum final percentage of 30% in the module will be eligible for one or more of the following: Submit assignment, Re-submit components, Practical examination, Interview or Presentation.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Project Non Contact Laboratory based project activity. Frequent guidance provided by the supervisor. 24 Weeks per Stage 4.25 102
Independent Learning Non Contact Research, preparation of presentation and technical reports, design work, 30 Weeks per Stage 4.93 148
Total Weekly Contact Hours 0.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Nigel J. Smith. Engineering Project Management, Wiley-Blackwell, p.400, [ISBN: 1405168021].
  • James G. Speight, Russell Foote. Ethics in Science and Engineering, Wiley-Scrivener, p.318, [ISBN: 047062602X].
  • Kathleen McMillan,Jonathon Weyers. How to Write Dissertations & Project Reports, 2nd. [ISBN: 027374383X].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • [compiled by] Deborah G. Johnson. Ethical issues in engineering, Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.J., [ISBN: 0132905787].
  • Charles Lessard. Project Management for Engineering Design, Morgan and Claypool Publishers, p.120, [ISBN: 1598291742].
  • John A. Sharp. The Management of a Student Research Project, 3rd. Routledge, p.278, [ISBN: 9781315238449].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: